Chesapeake is another of Michener's expansive novels, narrating the lives of four major families over four centuries. Instead of his usual multi-perspective storytelling, Michener employs a third-person omniscient viewpoint, structuring the narrative into fourteen episodes. Each segment delves into different aspects of the Eastern Shore's settlement and the intertwined destinies of its inhabitants.

Settlement of the Eastern Shore

The novel opens with the peaceful Pentaquod, a member of the otherwise aggressive Susquehannock tribe, who chooses to live among the Nanticokes. This initial settlement is followed by the arrival of three prominent white families, each of whom plays a pivotal role in the unfolding story. The Steeds, Catholics who establish themselves on Devon Island, rise to become the landed gentry, while the Turlocks, descended from indentured servants, adapt resourcefully to their environment. Meanwhile, the Paxmores, characterized by their peace-loving Quaker faith, seek refuge from religious persecution in New England. The Cates, emerging from the legacy of slavery, represent the fourth influential family.

Themes of Change and Decline

Through these families and their environment, Michener explores enduring themes. Devon Island, the power base of the Steeds, slowly erodes over time, symbolizing the inevitable decline of their colonial power. Despite human efforts to combat this natural process, the island ultimately vanishes after Pusey Paxmore's funeral, coinciding with a devastating hurricane. Pusey, a descendant of the Paxmores—the novel's moral compass—has just completed a prison sentence for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. This decline mirrors the fall of Southern families, reminiscent of Tennessee Williams' plays. The Paxmores reside at Peace Cliff, embodying their peaceful ethos, while the Nanticokes disappear with Tciblento's death, a stark commentary on the destructive impact of racism and exploitation by white settlers on indigenous tribes.

Character Dynamics

With a vast array of characters populating the narrative, only a few receive detailed attention. One of these is Rosalind Janney, who marries Fitzhugh Steed and takes charge of both the household and plantation. Her determination ensures the capture and execution of the ironically named pirate, Bonfleur ("good flower"). Rosalind's influence extends to social practices; she takes a stand against the whipping of women by exposing her own back, effectively curtailing the custom. Her actions position her as a feminist figure within the story.

Historical Context and Events

In typical Michener style, the novel weaves historical personalities and events into the fictional narrative. Figures such as Thomas Jefferson, John Smith, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and George Washington make brief appearances, adding depth to the historical backdrop. Teach Turlock, Simon Steed, and Levin Paxmore collaborate in maritime battles against the British, highlighting Michener's penchant for detailed exposition, particularly in the realm of boat building. Similarly, the Civil War era is explored with emphasis on the Underground Railroad, especially through the experiences of the Paxmore family.

Nature as a Character

Michener allocates entire chapters to the nonhuman elements of the Eastern Shore, notably geese and crabs, which are emblematic of the region. The narrative follows the goose Onk-or and his flock, who face the threat of advanced hunting technology capable of devastating entire flocks with a single shot. Conservation is notably absent among the Shoremen, impacting both avian and aquatic life. The crab, personified as "Jimmy," a term used by locals for male crabs, further illustrates the novel's theme of humans' interconnectedness with nature. Through these depictions, Michener captures the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.